What the 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is and how it performs

The 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a mid-size muscle car powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The Scat Pack sits between the base R/T model and the high-performance 707-horsepower Hellcat in Dodge's lineup.

This engine delivers acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 3.9 seconds, with a quarter-mile time around 12.1 seconds. The car weighs approximately 4,300 pounds, which affects both its performance and fuel consumption. The Scat Pack is built for drivers who want genuine muscle-car power without the extreme cost or complexity of the Hellcat variant.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Scat Pack uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine rated at 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.
  • EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway when using regular unleaded gasoline.
  • The vehicle is classified as a full-size sedan and does not meet federal fuel economy standards for its class, which means the owner may owe a gas-guzzler tax at purchase.
  • Emissions controls include a catalytic converter and particulate filter, but the car produces higher tailpipe emissions than smaller, turbocharged engines.

Fuel economy and what it costs to drive

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack is rated by the EPA at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined miles per gallon. These numbers assume regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance—aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 65 mph will lower these figures.

At current gas prices, this translates to roughly $0.13 to $0.15 per mile in fuel costs alone. A 12,000-mile annual driving year would cost between $1,560 and $1,800 in gasoline. The large V8 engine also means higher insurance premiums and maintenance costs compared to smaller vehicles, particularly for brake service and tire replacement.

Gas-guzzler tax and what you owe at purchase

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack is subject to the federal gas-guzzler tax because its fuel economy falls below the threshold set by the EPA for its vehicle class. This tax is paid once, at the time of purchase, and is separate from sales tax or registration fees.

The amount varies by model year and exact fuel economy rating, but for the 2019 Scat Pack it is typically $1,300 to $1,700. This cost is usually included in the dealer's advertised price, though you should confirm this on the window sticker (also called the Monroney label) before signing. The tax funds the Highway Trust Fund and is meant to discourage purchases of low-fuel-economy vehicles.

Emissions standards and what this engine produces

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack meets the EPA's Tier 3 emissions standards, which explore to all new cars sold in the United States. The engine includes a three-way catalytic converter and a particulate filter to reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter in the exhaust.

Despite these controls, a large naturally aspirated V8 produces more tailpipe emissions per mile than a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid vehicle. The Scat Pack is not classified as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV), which are voluntary designations for cleaner-burning cars. In states with stricter air quality rules—California, New York, and several others—you may face additional restrictions on where and when you can drive the vehicle during high-pollution days, though this is rare for 2019 model year cars.

How the engine compares to other 2019 muscle cars

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack's 5.7-liter V8 is the same engine used in the Dodge Challenger R/T and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. It produces 485 horsepower in the Charger and Challenger, and 475 horsepower in the Jeep due to different tuning. The Chevrolet Camaro SS uses a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 horsepower, while the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 uses a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 760 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Scat Pack's 19 combined mpg is typical for large V8 muscle cars of that generation. The Camaro SS achieves similar numbers (16/26/20), while the Mustang GT (non-Shelby) rates slightly better at 16/25/19. Turbocharged alternatives like the Camaro with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder achieve 21/30/24 mpg but produce significantly less power.

Maintenance and long-term ownership costs

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack requires synthetic oil changes every 10,000 miles, which typically cost $75 to $120 at a dealer. Spark plugs last 100,000 miles. Brake pads wear faster on performance cars due to the vehicle's weight and power; expect replacement every 30,000 to 50,000 miles at a cost of $400 to $800 per axle.

Tires rated for performance driving (summer or all-season performance compounds) cost $200 to $350 each and may need replacement every 25,000 to 40,000 miles depending on driving style. The transmission is sealed and does not have a traditional dipstick; fluid service is recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles and costs $150 to $300. Insurance for a Scat Pack typically runs 20 to 40 percent higher than a base Charger due to the higher horsepower and repair costs.

Resale value and depreciation

The 2019 Charger Scat Pack depreciates faster than smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. A car purchased new for roughly $48,000 to $52,000 typically loses 50 to 60 percent of its value over five years, depending on mileage and condition. This means a five-year-old Scat Pack with 60,000 miles may sell for $20,000 to $25,000 on the used market.

Depreciation accelerates if fuel prices rise significantly or if the owner has modified the engine or suspension. Conversely, low-mileage examples in excellent condition hold value better, particularly among enthusiasts. The Scat Pack's reputation for reliability and the popularity of the Charger platform help support used prices compared to less common muscle cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a 2019 Charger Scat Pack in California?

Yes. The Scat Pack meets federal emissions standards and is street-legal in all 50 states, including California. California has stricter tailpipe standards than federal law, but the 2019 model year predates the most recent tightening of those rules and is not subject to additional restrictions.

What octane fuel should I use?

The 2019 Scat Pack runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and does not require premium. Using premium fuel will not improve performance or fuel economy. The engine is tuned for regular fuel, and premium is unnecessary unless you modify the engine or live at very high altitude.

How much does the gas-guzzler tax add to the purchase price?

The gas-guzzler tax for the 2019 Charger Scat Pack is typically $1,300 to $1,700 and is included in the dealer's advertised price. Check the Monroney window sticker to confirm the exact amount before purchase. This is a one-time federal tax, not an annual fee.

Is the Scat Pack more reliable than the Hellcat?

The Scat Pack and Hellcat share the same basic platform and transmission. The Hellcat's supercharger adds complexity and runs at higher boost pressure, which can increase long-term wear on internal engine components. The Scat Pack's naturally aspirated engine is simpler and generally considered more durable, though both are built on proven Chrysler architecture.

What happens if I modify the engine for more power?

Engine modifications void the manufacturer's warranty and may cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing in states that conduct inspections. Modifications also increase insurance risk and may result in higher premiums or policy cancellation. Any tuning should be done by a reputable shop familiar with Dodge performance engines.